Front Porch Theatricals' 'Bandstand' is a swinging tribute to America's veterans

Along with piping-hot swing music and dazzling choreography, the musical “Bandstand” offers an unflinching glimpse into the lives of United States military veterans coming home after World War II. Thanks to an incredible, multitalented cast and seamless direction, local company Front Porch Theatricals has crafted a production of which they should be proud. This Pittsburgh premiere runs through Aug. 25 at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side.

“Bandstand,” with music by Richard Oberacker, and book and lyrics by Oberacker and Robert Taylor, ran on Broadway in 2017 and received two Tony Award nominations. Its main protagonist, pianist Donny Novitski, is a veteran returning from World War II in 1945 to find that things can’t be the same as they were before. After having trouble finding his place back in Cleveland, Ohio, he hears a radio ad for a national swing band competition “In Tribute to the Troops.” As a musician, he jumps at the opportunity to pull together a group of veterans to win the contest — and find a way to move forward.

Donny also seeks out Julia Trojan, the widow of his best friend in the service who tragically did not make it home. After finding out that she is a talented singer, he convinces her to join in on the band’s quest — and to help him craft a song that can win the big prize.

This musical is a tough one to bring to the stage for a number of reasons. The biggest is the need for a cast that can do it all. The band members have to be able to sing and act, but they also have to play their instruments onstage. Also, these are not easy parts to play — each of the characters is dealing with their own post-traumatic stress in a range of ways. The good news is that Front Porch found a cast that can pull off every line, note and step.

Dave Toole is spellbinding as Donny, the haunted band leader who holds everyone together. From the play’s first scene, the audience can feel his pain and passion and roots for him to succeed because he is both charming and deeply human. Marnie Quick’s Julia has some truly showstopping moments, especially towards the end of the show, when her voice was tear-jerkingly powerful.

The other band members each got to have their own stories and ways of dealing with their lived experiences. Patrick Breiner as Jimmy the saxophone player was especially enthralling, both musically and in his scenes of dialogue. Chris McGraw played Davy, the bassist, and was hilarious, but perfectly delivered some moments of seriousness. Mike Mackey’s trumpet could’ve blown the doors off the theater, and his dramatic performance as Nick was equally forceful. Dylan Pal’s trombone showed up just as strongly, and he brought an impressive meticulousness and tenderness to the role of Wayne. And Kamran Mian played the drummer, Johnny, as well as the drums themselves, with impeccable timing.

The full cast never missed a beat, but another standout was Sharon Schaller as Julia’s mother, Mrs. Adams. She was, at times, the musical’s pitch-perfect comic relief, but she brought a sense of grace and gravitas that gave her character so much dimension.

Director and choreographer Joe Jackson and music director Deana Muro had a lot of moving parts — literally! — to contend with for “Bandstand.” The show’s technical aspects all ran tightly and smoothly, with excellent attention to detail in the music and choreography. The orchestra was the fabulous and ever-present backbone of the show as well.

The New Hazlett never looked better, thanks to scenic designer Johnmichael Bohach, who managed to transform the stage array of locations without the space feeling cluttered. Lighting designer Forrest Trimble’s lights were fluid and musical in their own way, and added some heightened drama to the show’s biggest scenes. And a musical about a swing band in 1945 calls for some especially cool costuming and striking looks, all achieved thanks to costume designer Michelle Nowakowski and hair/wigs designer Nicole M. Pagano.

Last, but certainly not least, the use of props in “Bandstand” was particularly exceptional, and properties manager Katie Mikula-Wineman deserves a hand.

Front Porch Theatricals’ producers Bruce E.G. Smith and Nancy D. Zionts stated that they wanted to stage this show to honor our veterans, especially as this year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In addition to the plot of “Bandstand” itself, they also highlighted World War II veterans in the audience and with a lovely lobby display that shouldn’t be missed.

This show is at times uplifting and at times heartbreaking. It’s truly patriotic in that it isn’t just a tribute to those who have served but an unflinching look at their post-service struggles — and reminds us all of the ways in which we can do more and do better, even now. And on top of all of that, it’s a swingin’ good time, too.

Front Porch Theatricals’ “Bandstand” will run through Aug. 25 at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. To get tickets, visit frontporchpgh.com .